Tom Carosello was only on the job as Estes Valley Recreation and Parks District rec superintendent for 11 days when former Executive Director Skyler Rorabaugh announced he'd be leaving his post.

"I had no inclination to take the job," Carosello said.

But he was more than qualified. During his eight years as the Pagosa Springs Parks and Recreation director, Carosello and his staff managed over 200 acres of public space, numerous outdoor and indoor recreation facilities and 10 youth and adult recreation programs.

Carosello, a former journalist who made a career change into parks and recreation in 2005, decided to toss his name into the hat for the open position. The EVRPD Board of Directors appointed Carosello executive director, and he officially took the reins Oct. 16.

"I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity," Carosello said. "I want to make sure folks are having the best time they can have."

Carosello hopes to see the district get more people involved. He also wants to receive more feedback from the community. Carosello also wants to see the district rebuild its relationships with other organizations in the community.

"We want to make sure they're passionate about the district," he said. "I have a staff that would love to contribute more."

The Ohio native graduated from Ohio State University and began his career in journalism, covering local sports and government issues for newspapers and magazines in Ohio, Flagstaff, Arizona; and Pagosa Springs. That experience with public communication and outreach led to a career in parks and recreation, he said.

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"I still like the grant writing aspect," Carosello said of his job.

Carosello and his wife Shawna, along with their two children, are getting settled here in Estes and looking to get involved in the community.

"We like small-town living," Carosello said. "For us, we're all in. We're in it for the long haul."

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